
The Qualitative Report of the last Bordeaux vintages
	2003	2002	2001	2000	99	98
Red
White

LES BLANCS

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 2003 The originality of this vintage is due to its precocity (harvested from the 25th August to the 6th September) and the unusually exotic aromas of the Sauvignon (papaya, mango, guava, lychee) mixed with classic citrus flavours (lemon, grapefruit). Exceptionally rich, silky, suave and balanced. A success not to be missed.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 2002 Each vintage shows us a little more of the grandeur of the terroir of Pessac-Leognan for white wines. The deep gravel has again produced a crystalline wine, with extremely pure aromas. It has a full and round structure. The aromatic freshness of this vintage is astonishing.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 2001 The year was extremely favourable to Sauvignon which represents 70% of our blend. The perfect sanitary conditions during the harvest, which was done by hand, give a superb aromatic purity. A rich, fat wine with great acidity. 2001 is the reference vintage for our terroir. We recommend drinking this wine young in order to enjoy its splendid fruit.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 2000 A rich and fat wine with a beautiful aromatic intensity and a round and lively attack. The gentle use of oak gives the Sauvignon and Semillon blend a lot of complexity. Exceptional weather conditions for an exceptional vintage. A wine of great pleasure. Best to drink from 2002.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 1999 The dry White wines benefited from exceptional weather at the end of August and beginning of September 1999. The harvest started on 1st September and lasted ten days in order to select the best grapes by successive selections. Fermented and aged in barrels with its lees like the greatest wines, Domaine de la Solitude 1999 is incontestably a great success. Characteristic aromas of citrus, acacia and lime. The palate is full bodied, very fruity and has plenty of strength. A very good finish with notes of lemon. A distinguished and well balanced wine with a rare purity.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 1998 Harvested by hand with successive selections through the vines. Vinification and ageing in oak barrels for one year. Very traditional vinification, excellent terroir and weather conditions during August and September 1998 can explain the success of this wine: an intense and fruity bouquet, a very complex palate with lots of elegance and a remarkably long finish.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 1997 A pale straw-coloured wine with a fruity and floral nose with plenty of strength. The dominant citrus fruit shows the quality of the Sauvignon in 1997. The palate is fresh, rich and crisp. A very long finish with vanilla and toasted notes reveals the ageing in oak barrels. Drinking well now.

Domaine de la Solitude Blanc 1996 Vibrant colour with a green tinge. An intense, complex bouquet of citrus fruit and white flowers. The oak has given almond and vanilla notes. After a pleasant attack that clearly presents an ample and smooth structure this wine finishes with lovely mineral notes. All this makes for a refined and elegant wine which is ready to drink.


THE RED WINES

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 2003 The spectacular climatic conditions (heat and sunlight) supported a more than normal maturity. The wine is concentrated, very aromatic, powerful, with dense and supple tannins. Its balance and its roundness will make it possible to appreciate it quickly.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 2002 This vintage had a fabulous September, the month when the skins and aromatic compexity develop. The Domaine de la Solitude 2002 is remarkable due to its sparkling fruit and great softness on the palate. The wine is fine and rich in flavours. Its structure reinforces the character of Pessac-Leognan. It merits at least 2 years of ageing.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 2001 This vintage has lots of structure and the grapes ripened perfectly . The very low yields and good sanitary conditions of the vintage emphasise the unique character of each grape variety. Charming at first sight, this wine deserves nevertheless to rest a while in the cellar in order to acquire all its complexity. This classic and authentic wine finds constant improvement from the extensive care we put into our vineyards.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 2000 Good vineyard management, low yields and good weather conditions in the summer all helped to give perfectly ripe and concentrated grapes. A red violet coloured wine with an intense bouquet of blackberry, cherry and blackcurrant. On the palate it is full bodied with lots of elegance. Best enjoyed after 2005.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 1999 The constant efforts in the management of the vineyards and vinification allowed a production of a high quality 1999. This fruity wine with a complex bouquet is an immediate pleasure to everyone tasting it. Full bodied, with support from the oak, this vintage has an elegant and complex aromatic structure. Best to drink before 2005.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 1998 Synergy between draconian work in the vineyards and almost perfect weather in July, August and the beginning of September gave birth to this remarkable wine. This well balanced and charming wine has a round attack with a harmonious and elegant structure on the palate. 1998 is an exceptional vintage. Very promising future ahead.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 1997 A long ripeningperiod gave this fruity wine a lot of charm. A beautiful deep purple and amber colour with an expressive bouquet of red candied fruit. On the palate the initial taste is smooth with a balanced harmony. Drinking well now.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 1996 A beautiful deep and dark red wine with an intense bouquet of fruit and herbs with a slight touch of animal notes. The attack is gentle yet generous with fine and powerful tannins. The fruit and charming style of Domaine de la Solitude persists towards the long and complex finish. To enjoy now and until 2005.

Domaine de la Solitude Rouge 1995 A classic vintage with a good reputation, this wine consists of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It is ready to drink now. A ruby coloured wine with a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits and some lovely touches of fresh undergrowth. On the palate a touch of mineral tannins with a pleasant mellowness. A typical wine of the Graves.